India-West Indies two-Test series confirmed

West Indies will travel to India in November for two Tests and three one-day internationals, the WICB said on Tuesday. The BCCI confirmed on Thursday that the tour would be between October 31 and November 27, including a three-day warm-up game*, and the dates and venues will be announced shortly. The second Test is set to be Sachin Tendulkar's 200th.

The Tests are expected to be played in Mumbai and Kolkata, with Tendulkar's hometown Mumbai hosting his 200th, an unprecedented number of Tests in a career - with 198, Tendulkar is already 30 matches ahead of the No. 2s, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh. Reportedly, though, Kolkata has requested it host the landmark Test.

The series means India's much-anticipated tour to South Africa will have to be trimmed. It was due to begin with a tour game on November 18, but if India are to fit in five matches against West Indies after the Australia ODIs that end on November 2, it is unlikely that the matches in South Africa could begin before November 30. That tour was originally scheduled to include two T20s, seven ODIs and three Tests, ending on January 19. Now, though, apart from beginning later, it will also have to finish earlier as the itinerary for India's tour of New Zealand begins with an ODI on January 19.

West Indies last toured India in November-December 2011. Back then, they lost a three-match Test series 2-0 - the drawn third match was the dramatic Mumbai Test that ended with the scores level - and five-match ODI series 4-1. The teams last met when India travelled to the Caribbean in June this year for an ODI tri-series also involving Sri Lanka, which India won.

Following the India tour, West Indies have a full tour of New Zealand scheduled. They will play three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s in New Zealand, between December 3 and January 15.

*1230 GMT - Story updated with the BCCI's confirmation of the tour dates

I think it would be a sad day if the SA/Indian test series is reduced to a two match affair. By all means accommodate ST (he deserves to go on a high note and if he needs lesser bowlers to do so) to say his goodbyes in Mumbai, but keep the three test match series. SA and India is number one and two in the WORLD for crying out loud! If a reduction in tests between the two countries is due to an internal dispute/fight - call it what you like - between administrators then the shame is on them. Perhaps the test series in SA could be reduced to either a timeless test or, if it suits the BCCI, to two three-day tests - in the latter case the result could well be a drawn series. Is that what pewople want?

on September 4, 2013, 8:45 GMT

I am a West Indian fan, and I endorse this move fully, not because WICB is "cash strapped, but because this is an opportunity for what some may refer to as India's greatest servant to cricket to be given a lap of honour of the highest order, and most fittingly in his hometown. The South Africa tour is important for many reasons, I agree, but this occasion, at this time takes precedence over everything else. I feel honoured that it will be the West Indies that he plays his landmark test against, the team that transformed the game honoring the player that gave a nation a breath of fresh air. You could not ask for it any other way. The reality is that he is leaving the test arena soon, and he is the type of talent we may never see again. I dread that day. It is a similar feeling I have to the one when Brian Lara, Viv Richards, Imran Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting, Ian Botham, and Malcolm Marshal all retired. Sachin Tendukkar will be no different. I will miss him.

A-Gunnie
on September 11, 2013, 18:26 GMT

Will Chris Gayle come out of his 3 months off retirement as mention after winning the CPL for this tour? The little master should really consider hanging it up on his 200th test of this tour.

on September 10, 2013, 10:52 GMT

In SA India Should play 2 Test but Limited overs Matches Should be Trimmed to 3 ODI's and a T20 which is optional.

BustIPL
on September 10, 2013, 6:06 GMT

Saving tendulkar from faster men who penetrate harder to hit the middle, is not the right kind of tribute to a man who who some rate alongwith Bradman and Ponting. Also, it seems to be the continuation of same defensive strategy that saw the downfall of indian team from numero uno to wherever they are now. That time they deliberately avoided a very gettable target in the presence of Dhoni who is the king of chasing. They wanted to just make up the numbers towards ICC ranking and the result was a banging disaster of 8-0. Tendulkar's inclusion will only weaken the indian batting as india will need to play with winning combination they have nowadays however in shorter formats and tendulkar has not been prolific. The same is the reason why india want less tests against top quality teams.

on September 7, 2013, 12:36 GMT

BCCI is just being stubborn and difficult. a simple person on the outside like me can easily see a potential fix . instead of having 3 almost pointless ODI Series , 2 of which will be 7 matches long - condense the 7 matches vs Australia in2 a trination series involving WI. each team plays the other twice and then a final. then have the 2 match Tendulkar test series @ Eden Park & Mumbai After that condense the 7 ODI series vs SA into 3/4 matches, instead of 2 2 day warm up matches have 1 4day warm up match bring that forward & move the 3rd Test so that it ends about 5 days or so b4 the Boxing Day Test Match. The New Years Test would then be the 3rd & final test with a week of so left b4 the start of the Nz tour on the 19th.

chaitukash79
on September 7, 2013, 1:57 GMT

I am not sure if the so called Sachin fans are his best friends or worst enemies! People, SRT has still not said that he will retire! He's also said he doesn't really care where he plays his 200th test. Why is everyone then hell bent on ensuring that his 200th test will be his last and Munmbai is where that should be. For all you know, Sachin wants to play another 50 tests!

mmmuthukumar
on September 6, 2013, 17:12 GMT

It is high time India have a fixed Home calender of 8-9 weeks starting 14 jan in Chennai for the Pongal test.we should play at least 6 Tests, 8 ODI and it should culminate in the IPL in the First week of april.

Let Tendulkar play his last 2 tests against a weak West Indies and hang up his boots. We want Indian cricket to be freed from the shackles of this man. Merit, not seniority, should be the sole criteria for selection in Indian team.

on September 4, 2013, 17:01 GMT

I think it would be a sad day if the SA/Indian test series is reduced to a two match affair. By all means accommodate ST (he deserves to go on a high note and if he needs lesser bowlers to do so) to say his goodbyes in Mumbai, but keep the three test match series. SA and India is number one and two in the WORLD for crying out loud! If a reduction in tests between the two countries is due to an internal dispute/fight - call it what you like - between administrators then the shame is on them. Perhaps the test series in SA could be reduced to either a timeless test or, if it suits the BCCI, to two three-day tests - in the latter case the result could well be a drawn series. Is that what pewople want?

on September 4, 2013, 8:45 GMT

I am a West Indian fan, and I endorse this move fully, not because WICB is "cash strapped, but because this is an opportunity for what some may refer to as India's greatest servant to cricket to be given a lap of honour of the highest order, and most fittingly in his hometown. The South Africa tour is important for many reasons, I agree, but this occasion, at this time takes precedence over everything else. I feel honoured that it will be the West Indies that he plays his landmark test against, the team that transformed the game honoring the player that gave a nation a breath of fresh air. You could not ask for it any other way. The reality is that he is leaving the test arena soon, and he is the type of talent we may never see again. I dread that day. It is a similar feeling I have to the one when Brian Lara, Viv Richards, Imran Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting, Ian Botham, and Malcolm Marshal all retired. Sachin Tendukkar will be no different. I will miss him.

A-Gunnie
on September 11, 2013, 18:26 GMT

Will Chris Gayle come out of his 3 months off retirement as mention after winning the CPL for this tour? The little master should really consider hanging it up on his 200th test of this tour.

on September 10, 2013, 10:52 GMT

In SA India Should play 2 Test but Limited overs Matches Should be Trimmed to 3 ODI's and a T20 which is optional.

BustIPL
on September 10, 2013, 6:06 GMT

Saving tendulkar from faster men who penetrate harder to hit the middle, is not the right kind of tribute to a man who who some rate alongwith Bradman and Ponting. Also, it seems to be the continuation of same defensive strategy that saw the downfall of indian team from numero uno to wherever they are now. That time they deliberately avoided a very gettable target in the presence of Dhoni who is the king of chasing. They wanted to just make up the numbers towards ICC ranking and the result was a banging disaster of 8-0. Tendulkar's inclusion will only weaken the indian batting as india will need to play with winning combination they have nowadays however in shorter formats and tendulkar has not been prolific. The same is the reason why india want less tests against top quality teams.

on September 7, 2013, 12:36 GMT

BCCI is just being stubborn and difficult. a simple person on the outside like me can easily see a potential fix . instead of having 3 almost pointless ODI Series , 2 of which will be 7 matches long - condense the 7 matches vs Australia in2 a trination series involving WI. each team plays the other twice and then a final. then have the 2 match Tendulkar test series @ Eden Park & Mumbai After that condense the 7 ODI series vs SA into 3/4 matches, instead of 2 2 day warm up matches have 1 4day warm up match bring that forward & move the 3rd Test so that it ends about 5 days or so b4 the Boxing Day Test Match. The New Years Test would then be the 3rd & final test with a week of so left b4 the start of the Nz tour on the 19th.

chaitukash79
on September 7, 2013, 1:57 GMT

I am not sure if the so called Sachin fans are his best friends or worst enemies! People, SRT has still not said that he will retire! He's also said he doesn't really care where he plays his 200th test. Why is everyone then hell bent on ensuring that his 200th test will be his last and Munmbai is where that should be. For all you know, Sachin wants to play another 50 tests!

mmmuthukumar
on September 6, 2013, 17:12 GMT

It is high time India have a fixed Home calender of 8-9 weeks starting 14 jan in Chennai for the Pongal test.we should play at least 6 Tests, 8 ODI and it should culminate in the IPL in the First week of april.

Let Tendulkar play his last 2 tests against a weak West Indies and hang up his boots. We want Indian cricket to be freed from the shackles of this man. Merit, not seniority, should be the sole criteria for selection in Indian team.

sinchl
on September 6, 2013, 0:00 GMT

It will be difficult time for all Indians when Sachin will walk for the last time on the cricket field. He has taken a loads of many Indians hopes on his strong shoulders for more than 20 years and he is one of the main reasons for BCCI being so rich. God bless you Sachin, you will always remain my idol.

on September 5, 2013, 18:17 GMT

BCCI has proposed this series for the sake of its ever-growing revenues, this series will create a lot of hype because Sachin will play his 200th test and help pack the stadiums. Haters will still blame it on Sachin, he is not the one has requested the BCCI to organize this series. Why would he be afraid to tour SA when he has never feared any condition in past 24 years?

crikkfan
on September 5, 2013, 16:51 GMT

I am not sure why the Ind-SA test matches need to take a hit - keep them at 3, that should be sacrosanct and juggle with the 2 T20s and 7 ODIs and reduce them as needed. Don't reduce the 3 test series - move them around if needed.

Albert_cambell
on September 5, 2013, 16:15 GMT

The reason is simple. BCCI dont want their team to get thrashed by the worlds No.1 test team in the world. By going through indias recent overseas performance, this is more likely to happen. Also many teams suffered embarrassing defeats in SA( SL-43. Pak-49, Aus- 47 ,NZ- 45 allout). So BCCI dont want this to happen to their team. So they are saving their team embarrassment by arranging a home series against weak team like WI. This will also save Sachins career. Anyways we dont want to play with a weak team like IND. We will be too good for them. We would rather face good teams like ENG, Aus, NZ, SL..etc

on September 5, 2013, 15:34 GMT

We have 45 days between Nov 28 Date after WI tour is done and Jan 18 day before NZ tour starts excluding the travel plans, If BCCI is fair to Cricket, Standards and Cricket fans we should have a 3 test series, If controversy is cleared BCCI can even schedule 3 ODI series and 2 T20 matches for generating money but SA have to let go the Boxing day test if it have to. Please don't make cricket depend on Administrating personnel.

pull_shot
on September 5, 2013, 14:36 GMT

question is why 3 odi's? cancel the 3 odi's get a test match in SA or atleast a practice match

CricketMaan
on September 5, 2013, 14:34 GMT

1 T20 + 3 ODIs + 3 Tests including boxing day and new year test is possible, but i do see the tour trimmed to 5 ODIs + 2 Tests!!!

RG88
on September 5, 2013, 14:14 GMT

Firstly thanks for WICB for confirming a tour at such a short notice, though the allure of playing against India makes the choice easy. If India and West Indies are playing this series now, does that mean WI would not tour India in 2014 Oct-Nov. Would have actually liked 3 match Test Series Only. Rather than 2 Test and 3 ODI's. India could then tour WI & SA next year for 5 ODI's each after the Champions League to be held in September.

on September 5, 2013, 13:57 GMT

......many aspiring cricketers should take a page out from Sachin's work ethic....while his monumental achievements are also admirable ......leaving the field in his country will certainly be emotional and India has planned it nicely to say goodbye....to a cricketing greatness.....

ProdigyA
on September 5, 2013, 13:30 GMT

WICB should be thanked for coming up with a tournament on such a short notice unlike the CSA which is so money minded and selfish. Now we can se the little master's 200th test in India. What an achievement.

on September 5, 2013, 10:36 GMT

The BCCI should instead of inviting the WI for a two test tour done better (financially ie) had they instead invited the Pakistan team. This would have generated even more interest in Sachin's 200th test.

on September 5, 2013, 10:29 GMT

There are certain things that make a cricketer's career really "memorable". For instance we all remember Don Bradman for his average of 99. May be if it was 100 we won't be talking about his average over and over again. Similarly, Sachin should retire right now with 198 tests. This would leave the entire cricketing fraternity with another mystery to unravel for the next 50 odd years.

recycle-bin-is-empty
on September 5, 2013, 9:27 GMT

Since WI tour of India and India's NZ tour is now confirmed, there is no way that India can play 3 tests 7 odis and 2 t-20s now. The best way would be to just play a 3 or 4 test match series there with a couple of practice matches before so that our players can adjust to the situations. If tests are played without any practice for our players before then it is going to be another whitewash for sure. Moreover it will also dampen the confidence of these new and one of the best young talented team right now. Lets hope odis and t-20s are scrapped from this tour for now, India can then tour SA later for odis and t-20s. That way nobody loses, neither the fans or the boards.

tenfan
on September 5, 2013, 8:31 GMT

For those who are commenting about Sachin here, I just have to say, it seems its that set of people who probably do not have the basic common sense that an average individual is expected to have. If Sachin would have wanted to play against easier opponents, he would have played all those ODIs ( and that is the format in which he really excels) including against WI in the 8-10 months before WC 2011 during which he was preserving himself for the larger benefits of the country for WC. He could have made not only 100th but also 101st and 102nd Century in those games. This is arising out of issue between BCCI and CSA please don't drag Sachin into this. If you don't understand his dedication and sacrifices and think he is running after records please stop following the game, you are not fit for it.

on September 5, 2013, 6:54 GMT

If BCCI wants to trim the SA tour of India, please dont play t20 and they can reduce the no of ODIs too, but fo god sake dont reduce the no. of tests!! I beliv India should play a 5-test series with SA, Aus and England!!!!

SandipManjrekar
on September 5, 2013, 5:55 GMT

India has huge market. Cricket being largest common interest of people here used as media through which businesses, investors can reach to the market. BCCI is the cricket governing body in IND. Players like Lala Amarnath to Kapil and SRT/Dhoni now made the game bigger here. The BCCI functionaries were successfully controlled cricketing governance here & defied the challenges like ICL. BCCI is responsible for their own wrong doing; not by any other like Majola, ZIM, BD or SL & many other's failures. Some fans are staking for revenues collecting from main source of IND and spreading all over the world through broadcasters with no contribution from individual boards other than participating. This is what colonial systems running for many centuries ruling over IND. IPL & CLPL are the BCCI's ideas & implementations where everyone staking for money even after failure of their own versions. Now everyone corners BCCI for this purpose only. Nothing to do with SRT's feat, WI tour or SA tour.

tanstell87
on September 5, 2013, 5:07 GMT

Most Indian fans disagree with BCCI's schedule West Indies tour 2 tests & 3 ODIs...most Indian fans including me wanted to see how the young guns Dhawan, Kohli, Pujara, Rahane, Jadeja, Yadav & Bhuvi fare in South Africa....India should play 4 tests in South Africa with only a month available now in the month's time and play ODIs later in next season as and when there is window...please publish Cricinfo !

tanstell87
on September 5, 2013, 5:02 GMT

@Al_Bundy1 - Tendulkar has mauled many South African quicks in his test career ( Donald, Pollock, Steyn, Nel, Ntini, Fanie de Villiers )...try and recollect how Steyn,Morkel & Philander were mauled by Michael Clarke on Aussie wickets..

class9ryan
on September 5, 2013, 4:05 GMT

As a Indian fan, I don't wanna see Tendulkar scoring a meaningless 100 on his 200th Test vs WI, he already has enough of those. I would probably love to see him playing remarkable 40 vs Steyn, Philander, Morne at the age of 40 on his 200th test. Mind u a big score at home is lot lesser than a 40-50 vs RSA in the quicker pitches.

Capricorn60
on September 4, 2013, 22:12 GMT

I don't Sachin will necessarily announce beforehand that he will retire after these two Tests against the WI are played but I think they will be an understanding between him & the selectors. If he does fairly well in these Tests, then he will still have the option open to him to tour SA & continue with his Test career. On the other hand if he doesn't too well & let us not underestimate the quality of the WI bowling, he will be able to bow out gracefully after reaching this 200 Tests milestone in front of his own home fans.

S.Jagernath
on September 4, 2013, 21:29 GMT

Sachin Tendulkar has just become too old to have sustained performances.He may still pull of his brilliance,he is the Tendulkar after all,but it is just going to be hard for him to do it for long periods.He especially finds it tough after stoppages in play.His concentration more than anything is waning.He will retire as probably the greatest batsmen of all time though.Would love for him to prove me wrong & have another 2010.

on September 4, 2013, 20:34 GMT

@Satwant Hundal Playing for world records is understandable as an individual and not by harming the Team , Country and the deserving young talent. But what is Sachin doing for the last few years ? Does he deserve to be in the Indian Team ? Or he should be in the Team because he is playing for his records ?
He said , It's selfish to retire when you are at your peak !! Last few years were his peak ?
He said , I will keep playing because I am still enjoying !! So his enjoyment is greater than the Cricket ?
and today I read that still he is not even considering his retirement !! Does he want the selectors to remove him from Test team as the way he was removed from ODI and IPL ?
He would have been thrown out long ago plainly on his merits !! He might have given you happiness in the past. Does that happiness gives him the license to keep playing for his own records in spite of being less than ordinary batsman for the last few years ?
Think again !!

Cpt.Meanster
on September 4, 2013, 18:44 GMT

@Johan Kotze: I can't understand the absurdity of your comments. How can you even say WI have lesser bowlers ? Sachin has faced better bowlers than Steyn and Morkel for over 20 years. Your comments only goes to reflect the greatness of the man. Sadly, SA don't have a Tendulkar in their ranks and never will.

SandipManjrekar
on September 4, 2013, 17:53 GMT

Retirement?? who said?? who are in hurry????

Some amateurs mostly T20 viewers who never watching Test cricket are posting IMMATURE comments. SRT had an injury in IPL, had a surgery on his wrist and returned on the ground for a practice. How many of us seriously follow 5 days of TEST cricket? It's almost forth day people are following & paying attentions to brainless comments & unprofessional reporting. Still speculations don't end.

on September 4, 2013, 17:44 GMT

BCCI are insane! A rushed tour of SA means no time for acclimatization, and we'll be 1 nil down in the tests before we know it. We should be playing at least 4 tests against SA.

on September 4, 2013, 17:02 GMT

If BCCI consider about sachin's landmark after the Aus test series in march 2013, then this SA tour problem does not come. It is too late they thinking about sachin. IPL and CLT20 a worry for Indian test matches. IPL is too long and has too much games.

amit_1234
on September 4, 2013, 16:05 GMT

A clear battle between BCCI and CSA and whats more likely of the outcome is that CSA is going to suffer monetary...indian fans might be debarred from a much anticipated trip to SA and might have to wait 4 some more years.. BCCI n CSA need to resolve the matter rather than staying on one's ego.. As usual people starts predicting for Sachin, n its really fun to see someone mentioning that Sachin is fearing to trip SA and thats why BCCI is arranging this tour..hehe...if that would have been the case then probably bangladesh would have been invited..Anyways some guys juz cant resist cricket without pulling sachin into it..

on September 4, 2013, 15:55 GMT

@Pankaj Kumar whats wrong with that.. people play for world records all the time, guinness book is full of that and they are all people with extra-ordinary people. just appreciate him for the all the happiness he has given us all during that long journey. whoever understands the art of batsmanship will understand what a mental delight it is to simply watch the forward defense by the master and the genius stroke play when he gets going.

Al_Bundy1
on September 4, 2013, 15:49 GMT

This is a face saving series created for just one person - Tendulkar. After all, who wants to see an old man mauled by South African lions - Steyn, Philander, and Morkel.

popcorn
on September 4, 2013, 15:49 GMT

Two subjects rolled into one.First,it is learnt that if SachinTendulkar does not hang up his bat after this Farewell Series arranged on his behalf, he will treated on performance like anybody else. Implied in this he has been selected on past glories for the last 2 years, thereby depriving some worthy youngste,who has probably missed the bus now. Such idolism does not happen in other countries.
Second, BCCI is bad news for World Cricket - flexing its muscles,towards South Africa.Time BCCI is put in its place and marginalized by CA,CSA,NZC, and ECB.The rest are BCCI's pawns.

hnlns
on September 4, 2013, 15:14 GMT

They could have organized an even more easier series, perhaps against Zimbabwe or Bangladesh, if the purpose was to achieve that meaningless landmark of 200 tests or whatever. Does it really matter when a player is playing way below par for so long and yet wants to continue playing in spite of the writing on the wall being so clear? I hope he quits on his own or Patil and co should be bold enough to deliver the final decisive axe on him, just like what they did to other non-performers in the team. Can't allow the guy to go to SA and become a flop show with another bunch of failures after this not so testing series. He should be sent into retirement for the good of the team and for lots of young talent waiting for so long to emerge.

on September 4, 2013, 14:30 GMT

With just 2 Test Matches and 3 ODIs , this series seems more like one , custom-made for Tendulkar to reach another landmark. Would love to see Sachin score yet another hundred. Its long overdue.

cricketisagame
on September 4, 2013, 13:50 GMT

Completely agreed with Basker_guha and abhineet Sharma. Hello Eliya Syed, Sachin scored a couple of hundreds in SA couple of years back not recently. I wonder he can make decent score against WI at home ground now. This series is arranged hastily to help him to score some runs and announce his retirement. Indian team is going good in T20 and DIS since he retired from those formats as you noticed

on September 4, 2013, 13:13 GMT

I think this series is only hosted for Sachin , as I think he is fearing to go to south Africa to play test matches as inside he knows he might not be successful there with bat as he is struggling to find form since quit some time and he wants to bid farewell by scoring some runs and west indies being easy opponents.

on September 4, 2013, 12:25 GMT

@SC13159:
Hey guy this is good thinking. I support you. My one suggestion is include sehwag too. My opinion for Indian 2nd team against WI: (Gambir, Sehwag, Uthappa, Unmukt Chand, Yuvraj, PPatel, IPathan, YPathan, Pkumar, Harbhajan, Mishra, Unadkat, Shami, VZol, ZKhan.), This is good opportunity for Gambir, Sehwag, Yuvraj and Harbajan.

SNIFFLEATHER
on September 4, 2013, 11:56 GMT

Can't understand the complaints. What is wrong with a two test series? Would you all rather play 5 ODIs instead? Test cricket is THE format, so any series is valuable to the game. A three test series would patently be better, but two s still OK. Hopefully, some of the 'A' team fringe players will get some runs and wkts and force their way into the test set up. Johnson, Cummins perhaps with the new ball and Edwards with the bat. Looking forward to this one anyway - test cricket...at last!

chechong0114
on September 4, 2013, 11:54 GMT

This amount of test cricket being played by this Indian team is just overkill I am amazed that none of these players have filed a complaint about it. The BCCI is looking to cash in BIG on Sachin's 200th test match hence the reason for not going to South Africa and bringing in the West Indies on a short series, this is nothing short of another marketing strategy.
Well done BCCI I hope none of your players drop dead soon from exhaustion.

2nd_Slip
on September 4, 2013, 11:54 GMT

With all due respect to Tendulkar, to me all this(moving forward the NZ series and arranging this one against WI) is just a ploy to protect the Indian team from an embarrassing thrashing against the best test side in the world, South Africa. FULL STOP!!!

on September 4, 2013, 11:46 GMT

If the problem is Lorgat then India must just stay away. BCCI should not dictate what happens in the cricket world. That should be the ICC. If BCCI wants to rule everything then the rest should just all not play against them. Its not good for cricket if 1 board can hold the rest to ransom.

here2rock
on September 4, 2013, 11:27 GMT

Another boring 2 Test Matches series, madness continue from BCCI. You either play at least 3 matches or don't play at all. I am absolutely furious!

on September 4, 2013, 10:24 GMT

OMG , Another Record !!
Sachin's name will be always remembered as a Record Player , player who played for his records

on September 4, 2013, 10:01 GMT

Even though this series has been scheduled before the SA series and the the NZ series has been advanced in jan I still believe SA and india can play a full series of 3 tests,5 odis,1 T20 instead of 7 odis , 3 tests and 2 t20s which was previously announced by CSA and there were many off days in the schedule then required so they fit in this fixture quite easily. CSA has roughly 50 days between westindies and NZ series to invite India which is more than enough for the above fixture to take place.

on September 4, 2013, 9:53 GMT

@Baskar_Guha - Why would Tendulkar request the BCCI to call the West Indies? He could have easily gone to South Africa (where he scored a couple of centuries 2 years back) and reached the 200 Tests landmarks against them!

Sachin's name has unnecessarily been dragged into this mess - the story behiund all this is the relationship between Lorgat (CSA) and the BCCI!

on September 4, 2013, 9:24 GMT

an utterly pointless 2 Test Series.

baskar_guha
on September 4, 2013, 9:09 GMT

As much as I am a fan of Sachin's batsmanship, I am dismayed that tests are being organized in haste to allow him to play his 200th test at home. If there is one criticism I would level against Sachin is that he appears to be a little too obsessed with landmarks. Don Bradman was peerless in leaving the game despite being agonizingly close to a 100 first class average. To me, that adds to his legend whereas what Sachin desires, makes him more like the rest of us.

on September 4, 2013, 9:08 GMT

hey hey guyz look SACHIN did not announced anything abt his retirement, so how can u be so sure dat he just waiting for 200 landmark.....

on September 4, 2013, 9:05 GMT

ICC should promote test matches and ODI's. T20's are not important. The real cricket is ODI's & Test matches. All cricket are people enjoying. Lot's of T20 matches are available all over world. In India IPL is a bigger tournament more than a Cricket world cup. And so many (CPL, SLT20, BPL etc....). In a series between two nations, Boards and ICC give important for ODI's and test matches. Don't cut the matches like ODI & TEST. Cut T20's and tour matches. If India need, then cut 2 ODI's In SA. India should play 5 ODI and 3 test matches. If matches are cut, then it is less enjoyable.

Capricorn60
on September 4, 2013, 7:46 GMT

As an Indian fan, have mixed feeling about this. As a dreamer, one would perhaps like to see Sachin have one last go in pitting his talents & wits against top opposition bowlers like Steyn, Philander etc. However as a realist, one has to sadly accept father time has naturally caught up with Sachin at the age of 40 & he obviously is well past his best as clearly evident in recent years. Therefore he is very much likely to struggle against Steyn & Co considering he hasn't fared too well against lesser attacks recently. So if these two last-minute Tests have been staged for Sachin to gracefully reach this 200 Test milestone & bow out gracefully out of international cricket in front of his home crowd, then I guess we have to support this in paying tribute to a cricketing colossus & in recognition of his immense contribution to our beloved game of cricket.

@512fm I totally agree with you. This will certainly be his last Test Series and will quit in Bombay which also means Calcutta won't get the landmark Test. It has to be Bombay where he retires and not Calcutta...

on September 4, 2013, 7:14 GMT

I think WICB should not be singled out ...it is obvious they dont have enough games from now to newzealand series. If any team approaches them for a series they would have said yes. I think they should also be given enough chance to play other teams like india , southafrica etc

on September 4, 2013, 6:53 GMT

I m happy with this step taken by BCCI for bidding good bye to Master sachin tendulkar to play in his home ground the fact is he announced his odi retirement in an uncertain way so indian crowd missed his show in odi ,so it was a much needed step taken by BCCI and other reason is we had very less home series this year only england and australia so i think BCCI took a right step (Y)

on September 4, 2013, 6:46 GMT

india play 3 test 5 odis and 2 t-20 vs sa

on September 4, 2013, 6:21 GMT

This is really heartbreak for all Indian fans. There is no point for making a series for the sake of one player . every Indian cricket fan was eagerly waiting for Indian team performance in south african soil especially in test cricket and now they are saying that they want to cut test series.Bcci has emerged into money making unit without thinking ,what the game needs .Instead they should have played a four test match series with powerful unit like south africa and same should continue with English side in Upcoming England tour in 2014., and England should have given thought they should play 5 test match series with only australia as Ashes series, as playing 5 test match with other nations will reduce the interest and hype of Ashes series all over the world. Also, there is no need of T20 cricket and ICC should look at this. Bcci should also consider playing 3 test match series in new zealand tour.

504429641
on September 4, 2013, 6:00 GMT

If West Indies travels to New Zealand and plays 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 2 T20Is, then even India can do the same in SA tour. only 2 ODIs are reduced (as per initial plan). If at all, reduce one T20I out of 2.

512fm
on September 4, 2013, 5:54 GMT

I don't want any Indian fans to be offended by this but lets be honest, this series is entirely made up so that Sachin has one decent series before hes finished. Hopefully he finishes up after the West Indies series to give someone else a chance in the South African series. Hes only in the team now because of his name and its not fair to some of the younger players that would certainly perform better.

PrasPunter
on September 4, 2013, 5:27 GMT

Well , not surprising, given how cash-strapped the WICB is.

on September 4, 2013, 17:01 GMT

I think it would be a sad day if the SA/Indian test series is reduced to a two match affair. By all means accommodate ST (he deserves to go on a high note and if he needs lesser bowlers to do so) to say his goodbyes in Mumbai, but keep the three test match series. SA and India is number one and two in the WORLD for crying out loud! If a reduction in tests between the two countries is due to an internal dispute/fight - call it what you like - between administrators then the shame is on them. Perhaps the test series in SA could be reduced to either a timeless test or, if it suits the BCCI, to two three-day tests - in the latter case the result could well be a drawn series. Is that what pewople want?

on September 4, 2013, 8:45 GMT

I am a West Indian fan, and I endorse this move fully, not because WICB is "cash strapped, but because this is an opportunity for what some may refer to as India's greatest servant to cricket to be given a lap of honour of the highest order, and most fittingly in his hometown. The South Africa tour is important for many reasons, I agree, but this occasion, at this time takes precedence over everything else. I feel honoured that it will be the West Indies that he plays his landmark test against, the team that transformed the game honoring the player that gave a nation a breath of fresh air. You could not ask for it any other way. The reality is that he is leaving the test arena soon, and he is the type of talent we may never see again. I dread that day. It is a similar feeling I have to the one when Brian Lara, Viv Richards, Imran Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting, Ian Botham, and Malcolm Marshal all retired. Sachin Tendukkar will be no different. I will miss him.

PrasPunter
on September 4, 2013, 5:27 GMT

Well , not surprising, given how cash-strapped the WICB is.

512fm
on September 4, 2013, 5:54 GMT

I don't want any Indian fans to be offended by this but lets be honest, this series is entirely made up so that Sachin has one decent series before hes finished. Hopefully he finishes up after the West Indies series to give someone else a chance in the South African series. Hes only in the team now because of his name and its not fair to some of the younger players that would certainly perform better.

504429641
on September 4, 2013, 6:00 GMT

If West Indies travels to New Zealand and plays 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 2 T20Is, then even India can do the same in SA tour. only 2 ODIs are reduced (as per initial plan). If at all, reduce one T20I out of 2.

on September 4, 2013, 6:21 GMT

This is really heartbreak for all Indian fans. There is no point for making a series for the sake of one player . every Indian cricket fan was eagerly waiting for Indian team performance in south african soil especially in test cricket and now they are saying that they want to cut test series.Bcci has emerged into money making unit without thinking ,what the game needs .Instead they should have played a four test match series with powerful unit like south africa and same should continue with English side in Upcoming England tour in 2014., and England should have given thought they should play 5 test match series with only australia as Ashes series, as playing 5 test match with other nations will reduce the interest and hype of Ashes series all over the world. Also, there is no need of T20 cricket and ICC should look at this. Bcci should also consider playing 3 test match series in new zealand tour.

on September 4, 2013, 6:46 GMT

india play 3 test 5 odis and 2 t-20 vs sa

on September 4, 2013, 6:53 GMT

I m happy with this step taken by BCCI for bidding good bye to Master sachin tendulkar to play in his home ground the fact is he announced his odi retirement in an uncertain way so indian crowd missed his show in odi ,so it was a much needed step taken by BCCI and other reason is we had very less home series this year only england and australia so i think BCCI took a right step (Y)

on September 4, 2013, 7:14 GMT

I think WICB should not be singled out ...it is obvious they dont have enough games from now to newzealand series. If any team approaches them for a series they would have said yes. I think they should also be given enough chance to play other teams like india , southafrica etc

on September 4, 2013, 7:32 GMT

@512fm I totally agree with you. This will certainly be his last Test Series and will quit in Bombay which also means Calcutta won't get the landmark Test. It has to be Bombay where he retires and not Calcutta...

As an Indian fan, have mixed feeling about this. As a dreamer, one would perhaps like to see Sachin have one last go in pitting his talents & wits against top opposition bowlers like Steyn, Philander etc. However as a realist, one has to sadly accept father time has naturally caught up with Sachin at the age of 40 & he obviously is well past his best as clearly evident in recent years. Therefore he is very much likely to struggle against Steyn & Co considering he hasn't fared too well against lesser attacks recently. So if these two last-minute Tests have been staged for Sachin to gracefully reach this 200 Test milestone & bow out gracefully out of international cricket in front of his home crowd, then I guess we have to support this in paying tribute to a cricketing colossus & in recognition of his immense contribution to our beloved game of cricket.